Competencias profesionales en la Educación Inicial y su vínculo con la vocación y la formación ética

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the importance of professional competencies among early childhood educators and their relationship to teaching vocation and ethical training, within the context of Ecuador s prioritized curriculum framework. The overall objective was to analyze the relationship between the professional competencies of early childhood educators, teaching vocation, and ethical training. To this end, a mixed-methods approach was applied, of a descriptive-correlational nature, with a non-experimental cross-sectional design, using ad-hoc questionnaires, interviews, and data triangulation, ensuring the reliability and validity of the information. The results revealed a favorable perception of teachers professional competencies, highlighting strengths in the socio-emotional and communicative dimensions, while digital and logical-mathematical competencies represent areas for improvement within educational practice. In conclusion, ethical and vocational training enhances educational quality and the holistic development of children. As a practical contribution, an educational program called Mandil Mágico was designed to strengthen the professional competencies of early childhood educators through playful strategies, hands-on materials, and interactive experiences that promote pedagogical mediation in the classroom.